The annual The Game Awards are almost upon us, and the show’s most coveted award has just been revealed today! I’m, of course, talking about The Game Awards 2022 Game of the Year nominees.
The Game Awards 2022 Game of the Year Nominees:
A PLAGUE TALE: REQUIEM
ASOBO STUDIO / FOCUS ENTERTAINMENT
MP1st review score: 9/10 (link)
Excerpt from review:
Plague Tale: Requiem is better in seemingly every way than Innocence. The environments are bigger, the story is engaging, there’s more tools at Amicia’s disposal, and even Hugo gets a bit of an upgrade. Having him tag along at almost every juncture can get a little annoying, but then so does a real-life younger brother. Even the DualSense’s inclusion makes sense, and the “speaking” vibration enhancements should be experienced at least once. Overall, whether you played the original or not, you owe it to yourself to check out A Plague Tale: Requiem during this spooky season, and beyond.
ELDEN RING
FROMSOFTWARE / BANDAI NAMCO
MP1st review score: 10/10 (link)
Excerpt from review:
It’s remarkable how well From has managed to expand to a truly open world while keeping their core gameplay intact as well as building on top of it in one massive and impressively polished package. Elden Ring is clearly the culmination of FromSoftware’s past 13 years of experience and development philosophy of the souls franchise. Miyazaki and FromSoftware have crafted something so massive, special, wondrous and triumphant that it’s unfathomable how they can top it. Easily FromSoftware’s best game to date and a genuine masterpiece.
GOD OF WAR RAGNARÖK
SONY SANTA MONICA / SIE
MP1st review score: 10/10 (link)
Excerpt from review:
I could spend hours upon hours talking about God of War Ragnarok, but at the end of the day, the only thing that should matter to you is if it’s any good — and it is. It’s better than good; it’s a downright masterpiece. I know that word gets thrown around everywhere, and a lot, but I genuinely mean it. The story is beyond anything I would have imagined, and by the time I finished watching every line of credit roll, I couldn’t help but give everyone a standing ovation. Like the first game, God of War Ragnarok will forever be etched in my memory as a timeless experience; a remarkable, unforgettable journey that I’ll keep talking about for the years to come, and probably for the rest of my life.
HORIZON FORBIDDEN WEST
GUERRILLA GAMES / SIE
MP1st review score: 9/10 (link)
Excerpt from review:
Horizon Forbidden West is a wonderful follow-up to one of the PS4’s surprise hits, but technical issues and inconsistent controls dampen the otherwise excellent experience. Aloy has quickly grown into one of my favorite Sony protagonists and the wide cast of characters each bring their own unique flavor to the game. Higher quality side quests, combined with a main campaign that feels grander in scope, and is much better paced than the original make for a strong story, and the beautiful environments, combined with highly detailed character models and improved gameplay make this an early candidate for Game of the Year.
STRAY
BLUETWELVE STUDIO / ANNAPURNA
MP1st review score: 9/10 (link)
Excerpt from review:
Stray knows exactly what it wants to be and delivers on that premise flawlessly. Despite the game’s short duration, it leaves a strong impact, and it doesn’t overstay its welcome. Although the gameplay is simple, it’s made up for by the game’s stunning world, charming story, beautiful soundscape, and immersive atmosphere. Developer BlueTwelve Studio are punching well above their weight with the game’s visuals, and thankfully it’s delivered in a virtually flawless 60 fps on PS5. Stray is absolutely worth checking out, particularly if you’re subscribed to Sony’s new Playstation Plus Extra or Premium services. For me, it’s one of the most memorable experiences of the year.
XENOBLADE CHRONICLES 3
MONOLITH SOFT / NINTENDO
That’s one formidable list! Those interest, can sign in and vote for The Game of the Year right here.
The winner will be announced during the show, which airs on December 8.